In a bold move to transform India’s sports ecosystem, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and TENVIC Sports have announced a historic collaboration to create a robust framework for producing the next generation of sports professionals. The partnership, marked by a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will focus on developing skilled professionals across various sectors of the rapidly growing sports industry.
Bridging Academia and the Sports Industry
The collaboration between MAHE and TENVIC Sports aims to integrate education and sports through a multidisciplinary academic framework. The initiative will combine coaching, sports management, technology, and scientific disciplines to nurture the future leaders of India’s sports sector. A key part of the partnership is the creation of a Research & Incubation Hub to drive innovation in high-performance training, sports infrastructure, and athlete support systems.
As part of the collaboration, High-Performance Sports Centres will be set up across MAHE campuses, offering professional athletes the opportunity to pursue academic qualifications while continuing their training. These centres will also provide students with hands-on experience in sports-related fields through internships and practical exposure.
Supporting Athlete Career Transitions
One of the standout aspects of this partnership is its focus on career transitions for active and retired athletes. Recognising the value of leadership, discipline, and resilience that athletes possess, the initiative aims to equip them with the academic qualifications necessary for thriving in corporate and entrepreneurial roles. This approach will create smooth transitions for athletes as they navigate life beyond their competitive years.
Meeting the Demand for Sports Professionals
India’s sports industry is experiencing unprecedented growth. According to a recent Deloitte-Google analysis, the sector, valued at $52 billion, is expected to exceed $130 billion by 2030. As the industry expands, there is a rising demand for qualified professionals in various domains, including coaching, sports science, performance analysis, physiotherapy, and sports technology.
To meet this growing demand, MAHE and TENVIC Sports are working together to provide the necessary education and training to produce a workforce capable of supporting this booming sector. The partnership is also focused on creating industry-ready professionals who can contribute to the development of India’s sports ecosystem.
Strengthening India’s Sporting Legacy
India’s recent success in international sports has underscored the need for world-class infrastructure and support systems. With more athletes reaching elite levels, the demand for qualified professionals to support them is at an all-time high. However, many former athletes struggle to transition into post-sports careers due to the lack of formal academic qualifications.
This collaboration aims to bridge that gap by offering structured educational programs and career guidance for athletes, ensuring they are well-equipped to succeed in various industries. By fostering an innovative, education-driven ecosystem, MAHE and TENVIC Sports are helping to secure India’s position as a leading force in global sports.
Remarks by Leadership
Dr. Ranjan Pai, President of MAHE, expressed the significance of the partnership: “MAHE’s collaboration with TENVIC demonstrates our commitment to innovation and excellence in higher education. We are focused on developing a new generation of professionals who will excel not only on the field but also across India’s sports ecosystem.”
Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, added: “Partnering with TENVIC is a milestone in our vision of holistic education that nurtures individuals who contribute meaningfully to society. Sports develop character, discipline, and leadership, which are essential values for the future of our nation.”
Anil Kumble, Co-Founder of TENVIC Sports, shared his excitement about the collaboration: “Since TENVIC’s founding 15 years ago, it has been my dream to bridge the gap between education and sports. This partnership with MAHE is a significant step towards realising that vision.”
Vasanth Bharadwaj, Co-Founder of TENVIC Sports, further emphasized the scope of the collaboration: “Together, we aim to accelerate India’s growth as a prominent force in the global sports arena by nurturing and developing Indian talent in coaching, technology, sciences, and management.”
